"I remember the first time I volunteered with Joining Generations my freshman year. I was nervous but also excited to meet new people. The seniors that I got to talk to at that event were so sweet and taught me a lot about life and careers. As I attended more events, I began to develop friendships with the seniors. I absolutely loved this organization and wanted to play a bigger role in it. I was thrilled when I was elected as President of my chapter and I could not wait to help volunteers be a part of the change in our community as I was my first two years in Joining Generations. Now, as I'm about to graduate high school, I can proudly say that my leadership and interpersonal skills have tremendously improved. Joining Generations gave me the opportunity to put my ideas and skills into action. The skills that I learned through this organization will be the foundation to my success in college and my career."

“Joining Generations is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience purposeful work. This program allows for the youth at Reedy High School to do something outside of their comfort and needs, to help others. The volunteer time spent with an elderly person not only allows for compassionate and fulfilling work by the student but allows the senior to feel acknowledged and important. I have enjoyed watching my son gain valuable life lessons and friendships through this organization.”

“Joining Generations has been a tremendous blessing to the residents at Parkview. Sincere interactions that bring joy and laughter, along with thoughtful discussions that create meaningful moments for the residents as well as the students. Our residents look forward to the times together because there is a lightheartedness that students bring and a sense of curiosity that the residents enjoy filling through one way or another.”

“Our quality of life is many times based on the connections that we make and the activities that we partake in, and Joining Generations positively brings both of these things into our community for and with our residents. Because of the positive impact Joining Generations has on all parties involved, I would strongly recommend the program to any senior living community.”

“This is an excellent and meaningful organization which I’m proud to support! Too often the senior community is forgotten and it is refreshing to know that the younger generation is taking an interest in interacting with them and preserving their dignity. I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with many of these young ladies and men and their commitment to volunteering with the seniors is admirable.”

"When I first joined the club freshman year, I was scared of even going to the senior facility, I thought it would be too awkward or the seniors wouldn't even want me there. But when I finally went, the seniors could not have been more nice. Every single time I went to volunteer, they were always so incredibly welcoming and appreciated our company. I remember one time we were painting ornaments and afterwards, one of the seniors took me to her room to show me where should put it up and gave me a hug. I see her every time I volunteer and I think that's the best part about this organization, getting to make new friends and build relationships with people you would have never met outside this program."

"It was so meaningful for our residents to be able to have this experience during the COVID epidemic. The residents were able to connect with students on the other side of the country and they really enjoyed guessing the destination and reminiscing about trips they had taken."

"This organization has been an integral part of the campus life of some of the most kindhearted and reliable students I have had the privilege of knowing. These students sacrifice the typical desires of 14-18 year olds, and put the needs and desires of others first. They learn humility: they learn that their own lenses are not the only lenses through which to see the world; they learn that there is much wisdom to be gleaned from those who have already walked these roads; they learn that to be successful in the future, it is necessary to look to the past; and they learn compassion. It turns their gazes to those around them instead of towards
themselves...something that, as a mother, teacher and citizen, I would like to see become much more widespread."

"It was wonderful to see how hard the students had worked on their presentations and the clues were fun to try to figure out. It was like a mini vacation!"

“The interactions are very rewarding because their ages and maturity and choice to come and spend time with us show that they take it seriously. It is completely rewarding to think that we may be telling them things that they've never heard and that they want to hear it. It's a two-way street where we both get something valuable from the time together."